23 Jul
2006
23 Jul
'06
12:04 p.m.
woodelf wrote:
I believe there are some "free" tools out there.
Some are "crippleware" (i.e. layout a PCB with fewer
than N pads). Some are "abandonware" (end of the
line for that product). Some are "free software"
(e.g., gEDA) but may require a bit more computer
savvy than folks may have.
I understand the complaint, though. I could buy
another car with what I've spent on software! :<
At some point, you just say, "Enough! I'll live
with this set of bugs/features..."
Don Y wrote:
Most of the DataI/O boxes will do bipolar PROMs.
You can hunt down a "19" or a "9" (?). They
*won't* go forward beyond their generation, though
(e.g., you aren't going to find them supporting
huge EPROMs, newer programmable logic, etc.)
If you put a processor in it, why not consider just using
a serial console as your "user I/O"?
<Sharp reply>
I'm using the EEPROM for the CPU micro-code I'm building!!!
</sharp reply>
I want this to be a stand alone project- no hookups off
a PC printer port.What I really need is a PROM programer but I have
not even heard of them since EEPROM's have come out. I made a
*touch tone* phone years ago with a *dial* on it.
(Amusing to see the reactions from people using it. :> )
I you expect to just use octal for data entry, the same
scheme could apply (imagine a classic 500/2500 series
station set with a ZIF socket up under the handset
cradle and a small LED display above the dial... :> )
Definitely a geek conversation piece!
<grumble>
Why does low cost development software - schematic layout
and PCB development and prom/eprom burners mean 1000's
of $$$.
</grumble>